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A spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to any part of the spinal cord. This damage can lead to loss of function and sensation in the parts of the body served by the spinal cord below the location of the injury. Individuals whose injury occurs above cervical vertebrae C6 and C7 usually experience paralysis or…

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused when bacteria invade the bladder or kidneys.  UTIs can also affect the ureters and urethra. People with SCI have an increased risk of developing urinary tract infection, usually caused by incomplete voiding, catheter use, and/or elevated intravesical pressure. Urinary Tract Infection Causes Most people with SCI lose regular urinary…

Following a spinal cord injury (SCI), people can experience bone loss and muscle atrophy. Bone density decreases from the point of injury, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. While the loss of bone density is one of the most common conditions following SCI, there are several ways to manage bone health and reduce risk….

Being a parent is one of the most rewarding, joyful, and challenging things in life. When your child has a spinal cord injury (SCI) it is life-changing for the entire family. Parents want to provide their children with all the love and support they can, and there are many questions parents have after their child…

There are some experiences – both positive and negative – that only wheelchair users could understand. For people who don’t have any experience with wheelchairs, either directly or indirectly, there are some things that are helpful to know about wheelchair etiquette. Most of us want to do the right thing, and can inadvertently have a…

Spinal cord injury (SCI) disrupts the way the bowel system sends signals to the brain and bowel about when the bowel needs to be emptied. When this system is disrupted the bowel no longer works like it did pre-injury, and causes complications that range from constipation to accidents. The Relationship Between the Bowel and the…

Sex and intimacy are an integral part of the development and experience of all people. Today, there is more information than ever for people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and paralysis who have questions about what their sex and intimate life will be like post-injury. It’s a common question from both men and women: can…

It’s that time of year again, when we resolve to change our habits – finally lose weight, work out every day, get organized, stop procrastinating, etc. Sound familiar? If it does, it’s because many of us make the same resolutions every year, only to have them fall away days or weeks after we make them….

People with a disability can, and do, travel all over the world. While there may be some places that, due to the terrain or location, aren’t accessible for all disabilities, with planning and preparation people with disabilities can go virtually anywhere they want! Like Thrive Advocate, Craig Kennedy, who went live from Dubai in our…

“There is no one on the face of this Earth who is guaranteed living a portion of his/her life without a disability.  This should not scare you, but motivate you to learn more about this segment, which constitutes nearly 20% of the nation’s population.” – Scott Chesney, Coach & Consultant | Alliance & Thrive Advocate…

Maintaining honest communication in key relationships – even in the best of times – takes dedication, mutual trust, and vigilance.  When the challenges and stressors that accompany spinal cord injury (SCI) are added to the mix, it is more important than ever to keep open and honest lines of communication in relationships flowing. Spinal cord…

Our nation’s veterans have proven their bravery, commitment, and strength through their service to our country, so it should come as no surprise that veterans continue to display these same qualities when they face life-changing spinal cord injuries. Veterans everywhere are refusing to let their injuries negatively impact their spirit and determination, and they are…

“The only place that a true disability can reside is in one’s attitude…and that is a choice.” ~ Scott Chesney, Speaker, Coach & Consultant | Alliance Advocate Is your attitude where you want it to be?  Is it a positive one or a negative one? The good thing is that every moment of the day…

Impactful Ways to Honor Veterans Day Every American has heard of Veterans Day, but we want to take a moment to reflect on the deep history and meaning behind this day when we honor and celebrate all American veterans, past and present. We also want to talk about some of the most pressing issues veterans face…

In October 2019, Enemeez® launched The Thrive Community. Enemeez® goal in launching Thrive was to provide a safe, engaging and educational space for any person with a disability, their caretakers and healthcare providers. Ask questions, connect with peers and empower each other through open communication and engagement and share the power of ‘choosing to thrive’….

Hello Thrive Community!  With October being National Disability Employment Month, I thought we should examine the possibilities of you getting back to work, starting to work, changing careers, or even just beginning to think about working or a career if you are not quite at that age to be employed yet. If there is ever…

Hello Thrive Community!  My name is Scott Chesney and I am thrilled to become a part of the Enemeez Team to bring to the table as much motivation, inspiration, and action steps to best support you in your Personal Empowerment. So no matter if you are new to your disability, were born with your disability,…

In need of some inspiration or motivation? There are some amazing TED talks out there, and we’ve done the homework for you! The following is a list of some of the top TED talks about paralysis, disabilities, and the power of the human spirit.   A Broken Body Isn’t a Broken Person – Janine Shepard…

Sleeping Disorders After Spinal Cord Injury Sleep is an integral part of health of body, mind, and spirit, and not getting enough sleep can lead to a myriad of health complications for people with spinal cord injury (SCI), including increased pain, depression, weight gain, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. For people with SCI, healthy sleep hygiene…

“It’s about not settling for mediocrity,” says Scott Chesney, Speaker, Coach & Consultant, and Alliance Advocate, as he delivers a speech to an enthralled crowd from a stage. Scott continues: “With mediocrity I think of surviving, getting by, of coasting. I’m tired of surviving; I want to thrive. Disability is not synonymous with limitation. You…

 Returning to Work After a Spinal Cord Injury A spinal cord injury (SCI) is an event that permanently alters the course of your life, including your employment. It’s common to wonder about working after a spinal cord injury, and to have several questions and concerns. There are many jobs that are possible to continue working…

Facing a spinal cord injury (SCI) is difficult, and individual and families have several questions and concerns. Many people turn to the internet for answers, and while there are truly great resources out there, there is also a whole lot of misinformation. To combat some of the misinformation that circulates around the web, we’ve put…

National Spinal Cord Injury Month – The Miami Project Someone in the U.S. is paralyzed every 48 minutes. Paralysis is something most people don’t think about much unless they, or someone they love, is paralyzed due to spinal cord illness or injury (SCI). Millions worldwide are living with paralysis, and to date there is no…

Experiencing a spinal cord injury is an event that is guaranteed to change your life. Facing the challenges of everyday living can become a confusing and frustrating experience. With effects that touch on your relationships, employment, recreation, and routine; coping with a spinal cord injury is essential to leading a fulfilling life. Coping with your…

We hope you are having a wonderful summer! To celebrate summer fun, Enemeez would like to offer you a special $10 coupon in celebration. Please use code SUMMERFUN2019 to receive your exclusive offer. Caring for Your Skin in the Heat As temperatures heat up there is a higher chance of skin-related issues, such as infections, for…

Exoskeleton Technology Will Help People with Spinal Cord Injury Hyundai Motor Group and other major motor vehicle companies are developing a promising new exoskeleton technology which could provide increased mobility for people with spinal cord injury. By using the highly advanced autonomous (self-driving) vehicle technology and adapting it to be compatible with personal use, it…

What is Periodic Paralysis? So much time is spent talking about spinal cord injuries and the resulting paralysis the periodic paralysis often gets overlooked. Periodic paralysis (or sometimes called temporary paralysis) is caused by a genetic mutation and is passed from parent to child. Periodic paralysis is relatively rare, and so it is often misdiagnosed and…

Traveling by air is a real blessing of the modern world, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t stressful. Flying somewhere requires extensive planning and preparation – especially if you’re dealing with a disability and a wheelchair. We’ll cover each aspect from flying – from arriving at the airport to arraigning for ground transportation at your…

The development of adaptive clothing has greatly increased the freedom and independence of disabled persons. And toward that end, it has been a great blessing, but unfortunately so many of the adaptive clothing options out there are a bit out of touch on the fashion front. Of course, the first priority of adaptive clothing should…

For so many people, especially in America, driving is a big part of our lives. And while that idea has recently been weakened with improved public transportation and walkable neighborhoods, vehicular travel is still a daily routine for many people. One common struggle after a spinal cord injury comes from the loss of mobility and…

Over the last 75 years, there have been massive advances in the treatment and rehabilitation of spinal cord injuries. Where a spinal cord injury (SCI) once meant a lifetime confined to a hospital bed. Now advances in technology and treatment have given new life to those who have suffered an SCI. As medical and technological…

For those of us who live in cold weather climates, winter means serious business. Impassable roads and power outages are a regular part of life. When you add to complications of a spinal cord injury, this wintery combination can be life-threatening. Navigating through the snow and ice conditions is only half the battle when there…

The VA healthcare system has been under fire over the last few years – and rightfully so. There has been a serious effort at the VA to improve their dire situation, but it is worth asking about their success. VA By the Numbers Looking at the numbers, the VA should be on the road to…

Parenting is a scary prospect. The thought of raising a little human to be a good person is terrifying – as it ought to be. Both able-bodied and disabled people face a huge amount of challenges when parenting. But as in all things, a spinal cord injury requires creative thinking and problem solving to overcome…

Travelling after a spinal cord injury is fully possible – even if it presents unique challenges. When you’re traveling, questions arise at every turn about airports, hotels, taxis, and stairs. However, choosing the right destination can have a huge impact on your trip. With the right travel companion, you can manage to get over cobblestone…

In the years before World War II, few people survived a serious spinal cord injury and those who did lived out their lives confined to a hospital bed. Fortunately, much of that changed as veterans began returning home from the war having suffered from severe injury. Advances in medical technology – most notably penicillin and…

It may be too late to get involved in the Sept. 2017 Invictus Games held in Toronto, but plenty of time to plan for the next one. Mark your calendar for Oct. 18-29, when the 2018 games will be held in Sydney, Australia. More than 500 athletes representing 17 nations will compete. What are the…

It can be difficult to stay active during the harsh weather and freezing temps during the winter months. But finding ways to stay healthy and keeping up with working out doesn’t have to be hard. Many indoor fitness centers for people with disabilities offer a wide variety of adaptive equipment. Here are some of the…

  Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community, and it also has many surprising benefits for the volunteer. Helping others can help you reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated and give you a sense of purpose. Volunteering doesn’t have to involve a long-term commitment or take a huge amount…

Each year, Disabled American Veterans (DAV) assists more than 1 million veterans and family members by helping them to access their benefits, educating communities about the needs of veterans, and serving as an advocate on Capitol Hill for America’s healing heroes. There are 1.3 million DAV members. Eligibility includes any veteran who served during a…

  Paralyzed veterans have many resources available to them, whether they need help with accessibility, mobility, housing options, caregiver resources, employment opportunities or medical resources. Knowing where to look or who to call isn’t always easy. Below are some resources for you to consider.   Paralyzed Veterans of America – 10 years ago, PVA launched…

    We have all read about the importance of families sitting down together to dinner (or any meal really) on a regular basis. It’s a great time to really ask your kids how they’re doing and have important and meaningful conversations as a family. You can make this mealtime experience more beneficial by preparing…

During the summer heat, there are a few great ways you get your kids to drink their nutrients – in a cool and refreshing way. Fresh pressed juice bars and juicing machines for the home have both become extremely popular. Juicing is a great way to provide children with the nutrients they need without them…

Assistive technology is available nationwide and many rehabilitation-focused state agencies provide disabled people and their families resources and services related to everything from care options and vehicle modification to employment and home/workplace modification. One example of a vehicle modification is a van that takes voice commands and has two different joysticks that allow a person…

  In September 2016, Senator Elizabeth Dole and actor Tom Hanks launched the Elizabeth Dole Foundation Hidden Heroes campaign for military caregivers. Campaign goals include increasing awareness of caregiver challenges and rallying support from communities to meet the needs of America’s 5.5 million military caregivers. Other organizations such as Fisher House Foundation and the Christopher…

Anyone tracking the newest advancements in prosthetics is familiar with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Since 1958, DARPA has introduced ingenious technologies for the U.S. military, to include prosthetic devices for wounded warriors. Much has been invested in lower-limb prosthetics, enabling many service members to return to duty. DARPA recognized a need for…

  Potty training can be exciting for parents (no more diapers!) but it can also be a trying time for many as they navigate through the process with a series of trials and errors. We hope these tips will help you along your journey: First, every child is different. This is important to remember if…

  It’s a new year, which for many people means new resolutions. If your resolution is to exercise more and you’re dealing with a spinal cord injury, it can be difficult. There are many resources available for finding an exercise regimen that works for you. Check out the video series from the Northwest Regional Spinal…

Winter holidays are marked by the unmistakable ringing bell of the Salvation Army; one of hundreds of thousands of organizations that offer programs and services supporting the military community. A dollar here, five bucks there; how much is enough to make a difference and to whom? It pays to do some homework so you know…

  Tiffiny Carlson was born and raised in Minneapolis, MN.  As a teenager, she was very active and enjoyed fashion.  In 1993, at the age of 14, Tiffiny sustained a C6 spinal cord injury from a diving accident.  After being discharged from rehab, she wanted to learn how to be more independent.  A year later,…

  As we head into the winter holiday season, we tend to focus on our families. And that’s exactly what the Triumph Over Tragedy Foundation does. Hopeless. Alone. Overwhelmed. Broken. These are just a few words to describe the thoughts racing through the mind of a victim of a spinal cord injury, and their family…

  Born and raised in San Diego, California, Ian Mackay was an avid cyclist and outdoorsman.  Ian rode everywhere by bicycle, even to attend classes at the University of California, Santa Cruz.  In 2008, Ian was cycling after class when he lost control of his bicycle and crashed.  The impact caused Ian to sever his…

As we celebrate Veterans Day, we’re reminded that many disabled veterans are in need of assistance, whether it’s medical, financial or personal. Paralyzed Veterans of America helps veterans fight for proper medical treatment, offers job placement assistance, provides adaptive sports programs and offers various services and equipment free of charge because of generous donations. We…

  Formerly known as “Armistice Day” to celebrate the end of World War I, and dubbed a national holiday in 1938, November 11 was renamed “Veterans Day” by President Eisenhower in 1954.  The purpose of Veterans Day is to show appreciation and tribute for American veterans who served or continue to serve our country honorably…

  Twelve years ago, Chris Holcomb’s life was running smoothly; he was an active father and employee for a great company.  On August 28, 2004, Chris was driving home on Interstate 95 when he suddenly lost control of his car and slammed into a tree.  All he remembers after waking up 48 days later from…

November is National Family Caregivers month and it’s not only a time to make sure our caregivers know how much we appreciate them, it’s a time to make sure they’re taking a break and taking care of themselves. Here are a few reminders for caregivers: Take care of yourself so you have the energy to…

Imagine being weeks away from the return of a deployed spouse, dizzy with excitement over doing all of the things you’ve missed. Quiet moments, flag football before turkey and pumpkin pie; holiday parties with friends, and finally taking that ski vacation. Then one phone call changes everything. Family caregivers are rarely prepared for what’s ahead…

  On June 23, 2007, Matt Carter celebrated his 21st birthday while a student at the University of North Florida, double majoring in Business Administration and Transportation Logistics.  Matt was your typical college student, attending classes, studying for exams, living independently and enjoying college life.  On July 19, 2007, Matt experienced a spontaneous epidural hematoma,…

Online education has become more and more popular, and is a great way to get the education you deserve in the comfort of your own home. Between 1998 and 2008, there was a 150% increase in the number of students selecting distance-learning courses as a part of their regular college curriculum. Almost 40% of all…

Did you know that of nearly 2M military children, most move 6-9 times during their K-12 years? A permanent change of station (PCS), or military reassignment, doesn’t always allow kids to complete a school year in one place. Growing up as an Army brat, I remember that kids were always coming and going throughout the…

3 Top Resources for Vets with SCI By Tara Mogan Veterans with a spinal cord injury (SCI) may receive up to 100 percent monthly disability compensation, and additional compensation for lost use of hands or feet. Service-connected disabilities are also often eligible for such benefits as counseling, adaptive housing, and financial assistance for at-home care….

Woody Beckham was always involved with sports as a teenager.  After high school, Woody went to play for Florida Atlantic University’s rugby team.  On January 29, 2011, Woody’s life changed after a head first tackle during an away rugby game against the University of Miami.  Woody was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital, whereby he learned…

When world-famous Olympic athlete Amy Van Dyken became the victim of a spinal cord injury as a result of an all terrain vehicle accident, the public watched the news story with disbelief. Amy was in the national spotlight for many years as an athlete, and after the life-altering accident she was thrust into the spotlight…

  When Forest Gump fans think of “Lt.Dan,” they envision an angry, paraplegic Vietnam vet condemned to a wheelchair; shunned and ignored by the America he fought for. That’s the combat veteran of conflicts past. Now, thanks to advancements in military medical care and artificial limbs, amputees have choices, which, for some, includes walking, running,…

  As we celebrate America’s Independence Day, we also salute our troops and thank veterans for their service. We also recognize that disabled veterans need to know what resources are available to them so they can get the support they need and deserve. In fact, there are many resources available for veterans with spinal cord…

  The word Triumph means to have great victory or achievement.  The mission of the Triumph Foundation “is to provide resources to the newly injured and to triumph over their injury so they can continue with life”.  Andrew Skinner, the executive director and founder of the Triumph Foundation, is a C4-6 quadriplegic.  He sustained his…

Scott has been navigating life with paralysis for over two decades, and has presented to over one million people in 38 countries. He graciously gave us some insight into his journey: How did you become an inspirational speaker? My speaking career began in 1994 when I began speaking on behalf of The Buoniconti Fund to Cure…

  Did you know that there are roughly 2,500 active duty service dogs? Of those, nearly 700 are deployed overseas. Military service dogs are also awarded with rank for their service; some even outrank their handler. Most (85 percent) military service dogs come from Germany or the Netherlands, a top military dog breeding ground for…

Anthony Netto was always involved with golf.  For years, he taught the sport of golf to others in his home country of South Africa, as well as running schools in Europe and Germany.  In 1991, Anthony was in the South African Military and fought in the Gulf War, whereby he was shot and became a…

  Summer camps are a great way to be challenged, enjoy the outdoors and also to give caregivers a well-deserved break. There are many great options for camps for children and adults with physical limitations, including Camp For All. This organization works in partnership with more than 60 non-profits to provide barrier-free camp experiences. Camp…

Need a voice-activated computer, an experimental treatment, or a van modification? In order to remain independent and healthy, individuals living with catastrophic injuries (spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries) or catastrophic illness (multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, transverse myelitis or Lou Gehrig’s disease) are always in need of technology, treatments, modifications, equipment, and/or home…

  After decades of little support for and protests against military veterans, there are now more than 46,000 military support organizations eager to help America’s service members and families cope with challenges of military life, to include the aftermath of war. Initiatives such as National Mental Health Awareness Month help to shine a light on…

A majority of us that have sustained a spinal cord injury learn during our rehab stage how to use a wheelchair to continue to be mobile. Wheelchairs become a part of our life. We keep ourselves active everyday with hope of regaining movement of our legs, or participating in research studies that will lead to…

  It may sound like a derogative term, but “military brat” is a badge of honor earned by the children of active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Military families are relocated based on duty assignments, typically moving every 2-3 years, depending on the service branch and specialty of the service member. It’s not…

The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation has proudly granted funds to non-profits serving individuals with disabilities for the past 17 years. The Foundation grants money to non-profits serving in in one of three categories: Non-profits that allow participants to take part in activities that engage both the body and the mind, groups that provide solutions…

Service members love a room full of jerks. The more the better. Add snatches, push-ups, wall-balls and power cleans and it’s a good day for CrossFit, a favorite flavor of workouts among the military. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces must remain “mission-ready,” whether running in full gear across the desert, or supporting a cold-weather…

This month, we interviewed physical therapist and SCI fitness expert, Kristin Mcnealus: You have a lot of experience working with people who have spinal cord injuries. Tell us a little bit about your background. I’ve been a physical therapist for 12 years now. My work experience includes being a staff physical therapist on inpatient rehabilitation…

Dreams do come true on the Impossible Dream. Twenty-five years ago, Mike Browne’s dream came true. He wanted an accessible sailboat to traverse the seas. The Impossible Dream was designed by Mike, a paraplegic from England, for wheelchair users to navigate the 60’ catamaran. The Impossible Dream is fully accessible with no barriers to maneuver around…

  Advancements in military medical care produce inspiring stories of wounded warriors and families able to find a “new normal” despite severe combat-related injuries. Adaptive sports programs are critical for many to find ways to enjoy life, regain confidence and thrive. The following winter adaptive sports programs are available for individuals with military combat-related disabilities…

  The August 2015 Guide to U.S. Military Casualty Statistics reports 52,351 wounded service members, including 1,645 with major limb amputations since 2001. Nearly 3400,00 have been diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury, According to the defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center. Despite those numbers, advancements in medical technology and emergency combat care created outcomes not…

Enjoy the Snow!   Participating in snow sports can greatly increase self-esteem for SCI patients, especially those young adults and youths. Feeling the sun and the wind, and being one with nature, is a wonderful feeling that everyone should experience. Families can also enjoy the outdoors together, and everyone can participate at their own level….